A Piece Of Peace In Due Time

Mark 1: 15

Following the blog article about an ancient greeting and blessing towards others (“peace be with / upon you”), I thought it proper to explore the heart behind such a phrase by looking at the main word:

Peace

noun

- freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility

- freedom from or the cessation of war or violence

- harmony in personal relations

- used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell

What comes to your mind and heart when considering peace?

Have you ever been 'at peace'?

Is peace possible in a world where we still see and hear of war, violence, oppression and such madness?

Is peace only a state of mind / heart and not an actual reality on the physical plane?

In today's political vernacular, a 'time of peace' is when any particular nation's army is not at war with another nation's army.

Between neighbors, it may be when the two can pass each other without having harsh looks or harsh words.

But have you ever noticed that despite what a nation does, or what neighbors may do, some people are not swept away into a warring mindset?

Have you ever noticed people who stay at peace within themselves and with others?

There was someone long ago who promised peace to those who would trust in Him, who would believe in Him and follow His Way.

The Messiah promised eternal peace, and peace was evidently realized by many after His appearance, according to what they wrote despite harsh experiences.

The number of those living in and according to His peace have grown exponentially since, adding their testimonies to the mountain of testimony of triumph over trials from all sides.

Peace was realized, but not as some would desire to understand it.

For some, there is no evidence of peace when they look at the world.

At the time of the Messiah's appearance, some understood He would usher in world-wide peace that would be evident with the ending of wars, strife, violence and fighting between tribes, nations and peoples of opposite viewpoints.

Since this reality has never (or not yet) been realized externally, they denounce the claim that Messiah has appeared.

But was the promise of peace one of temporal evidence or internal tranquility?
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 
- John 14: 27
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 
- John 6: 63
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I Am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 
- Matthew 11: 28-30
From my life's experience so far (in my 41st year of existence on this temporal plane), the peace spoken by Christ was not an external realization.

His peace is an internal reality.

As one grows into His love, peace and presence, this internal contentment continues to flow outwards for others to realize and be influenced by.

It, like living waters, continues to spring out and about for others to taste.

How did Christ describe this internal reality?
Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Yeshua replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” 
- Luke 17: 20-21
Centuries before the appearance of God in the flesh, the Messiah, a prophecy was revealed that succinctly defines 'who' and 'what' the Messiah would be, and the manner in which the kingdom mentioned in the New Testament would be externally realized via the spiritual realms.
For to us a child is born, 
   to us a Son is given, 
     and the government will be on His shoulders. 
And He will be called 
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
   Of the greatness of His government and peace 
     there will be no end. 
He will reign on David’s throne 
   and over his kingdom, 
     establishing and upholding it 
   with justice and righteousness 
     from that time on and forever. 
The zeal of the Lord Almighty 
   will accomplish this. 
- Isaiah 9: 6-7
The Lord's zeal continues until this Day to spread this unseen kingdom... and so many haven't much of a clue, but it seems to be God's will for His mysterious ways to not be widely known.

Blessed be His Holy Name!

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